How to Become a Forensic Engineer

Submitted by Samuel Homes on Wednesday, Jan 29th, 2014

A forensic engineer will be responsible for reconstructing events that cause a building to collapse or a vehicle to crash in order to fully understand what caused the disaster. Typically, this will involve investigating the incident and trying to piece together evidence of what occurred. Perhaps a bridge’s pillar cracked and caused it to collapse. This is something that would need to be determined with the assistance of a forensic engineer.

Educational Requirements

Before delving into a career as a forensic engineer, a person must first procure their bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or architecture. In fact, there are a plethora of different engineering fields that need forensics. While many deal with structures, there are also computer forensic engineers as well as various other choices. Having a minor in criminal justice can also be a good way to possibly stand out in a field of applicants.

Following this, experience in the field will open up doors for the engineer that wants to become a forensic engineer. While the two are similar, training will be provided so that a forensic engineer better understands their duties and responsibilities.

Work Environment

The work environment changes every week for these individuals. One week they may be trying to determine what caused a bridge to collapse while another week they may try to determine what caused a building’s roof to collapse. These individuals will work closely with government agencies and local authorities in most cases.

Salary and Career Outlook

The salary of a forensic engineer is dependent on their duties as well as their education. An entry-level forensic engineer will have a lower salary of $46,000 (2). Bigger, more populated cities typically have a higher pay-grade than that of smaller cities.

Forensic engineers are always in demand and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. With the current growth of cities, the career outlook for these professionals is very favorable. If you like analyzing and working with local authorities, this may be the best career option for you. Some of these professionals will work with the government, while others will be contracted to work with authorities or be fully employed with a local agency. It is definitely a wise career opportunity for budding engineers.